The Poor Traveler’s trip to Guimaras, as narrated in this post, was plagued with a series of unfortunate events primarily because of poor planning.
However, because of the beauty of the place, we were able to enjoy our stay in this fabulous island province. But there was more. The kindness of our tricycle driver also gave us a little bit more satisfied despite the letdowns of our trip. The trike driver offered to take us to the Our Lady of the Philippines Trappist Monastery in Jordan, Guimaras on the way back to the port from the Alubihod wharf. He said it was no big deal because the monastery is along the way anyway.
So off we went to the monastery and boy were we glad he offered to take us there. The Old Trappist Monastery is like a secluded place in a secluded island. It was just so quiet. There was no people there, no one at all. Well, except the Poor Traveler, my poor friend and the poor tricycle driver. But it was the alone-time we appreciated.
The first thing we did was visit the church. It wasn’t really old or something but it was beautiful in a weird kind of way. Creepy, if I may add. I mean, we were at the church with no one inside a compound that seemed to be deserted.
This enclave, our driver said, is being run by monks and that it is the only male monastery in the country. The Poor Traveler researched and found that the monks belong to the Cistercian Order of Strict Observance and follow St. Benedict’s rule. These monks are said to be best known for their discipline especially on austerity.
Our next stop was the shop that was said to be being managed by the monks themselves. They earn a living by selling processed foods like piyaya and jams and souvenir items. They also sell mango butterscotch. Sounds great, yeah? We should be happy men. Except it was closed at the time. LOL.
Since we were running out of time, we decided to just drive away and catch the earliest ferry back to Iloilo City.
This is part of our ILOILO-GUIMARAS-CEBU trip. For more posts about the other places we have visited, check out our collection here.
Posted: 2010 • 4 • 28
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